6. Internet of Things Marketing

Now is also the time to utilize the Internet of Things in your digital marketing strategy.

IoT allows you to connect to all digital devices for engaging the consumers and spreading your message on every platform. It can also help you analyze your audience base and develop consumer insight for better sales.

8. Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality

2017 will be the year for advancing technology, and how digital marketing will incorporate that technology into the strategy. The top trends to watch out for will definitely be AI and VR opportunities.

Both types of technology will allow you strengthen consumer needs and capture their attention like never before, so you must start watching the trends now.

9. Influencer Marketing

On the rise are influencers, and how they will shape the future of digital marketing this year.

Brand Influencers are peer advisors and trend-spotters who help companies attract better customers and increase sales. In fact, influencer marketing is even starting to outpace organic search and email marketing.

10. Visual Marketing

Last but not least, you must take advantage of images and videos this year.

3 billion images and videos are shared online every day, so you must learn how to strategically involve them in your digital marketing campaigns. This is especially important for the younger generations who respond to visual media.

New visual platforms will roll out this year, including several changes in social media, to help companies like yours to evolve towards visual storytelling.

End These Digital Marketing Trends in 2017

On top of what trends you should incorporate this year, here are the trends that you should stop focusing on in 2017.

Twitter

While Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram are continuing to grow, Twitter use is starting to decrease compared to previous years.

While the company has incorporated new flexibility strategies to increase users, it had to cut 300 jobs last year, with more expected this year.

Big Banner Ads

While big banner ads used to be an ideal digital marketing tool, that is no longer the case.

Other digital marketing tools, such as native advertising, are starting to take over. Mobile marketing adaptation will take strength away from big banner ads as well.

Stock Images

Stock images are no longer driving in awareness as businesses turn to more personalized images and videos for an authentic identity.

Personalized visuals will also help companies improve content performance through consumer engagement.

Fake Reviews

The previous digital marketing approach placed emphasis on fake reviews, but that is no longer the case.

The majority of consumers favor authentic, personal recommendations over fake reviews. It should also be noted that Amazon tends to file lawsuits against companies that publish fake reviews, and more companies will follow suit.

Popup Ads

Last year, Google announced that they would penalize websites who use pop-up ads and boost the rankings of websites who remove them.

With this information in mind, you should have no problem in developing a strong digital marketing strategy for your company.

Have you incorporated these digital marketing trends into your marketing approach? What tips would you give to someone new to digital marketing?